Can heat tapes be used on roofs?
Cheaper "constant wattage" heat tapes can pose a danger of shingle damage when used on a roof, 3 while some self-regulating heat tapes may be approved for use on either pipes or roofs. Read the package instructions to determine the approved applications.
Are heat tape outlets safe to use?
Note that some outlets are safer than others. In fact, for heat tape, O’Brian recommends using only ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) outlets, which are designed to sever the electrical current in the event of a power spike or loss. Get free, no-commitment estimates from licensed plumbers near you.
What is the purpose of heat tape?
Heat tapes look like electrical extension cords. But unlike all other wiring that can become hazardous if it gets hot, these tapes are specifically designed to produce heat. They are used mainly to keep water pipes from freezing, but they also prevent ice dams at gutters, downspouts and roof edges.
Can you use heat tape on water pipes?
* Do not use heat tapes that are designed specifically for water pipes on gutters, driveways or fuel lines. * As an extra margin of safety in all cases, plug the heat tape into a grounded outlet that is protected by a quick-tripping circuit breaker called a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI).
Can you leave heat tape plugged in all winter?
You can leave these models plugged in. The problem is that some people leave them plugged in for decades. Tucked away in a garden shed or crawl space, the tapes get hot in summer, cold in winter and soaked with moisture off and on year-round.
Are heat cables waterproof?
Our heat cables are completely waterproof and can be left constantly submerged. One of the uses for these, traditionally in the aquatic hobby, has been for planted aquariums where the cable is placed underneath the substrate.
Can you put heat tape on a garden hose?
Using heat tape for your RV water hose allows you to RV in below-freezing temperatures without a plumbing disaster. Because of the added heat provided by the heat tape, your water hose won't freeze even when it's cold outside.
Can pipes freeze with heat tape?
Simply put, yes--the right type of heat tape will really keep your pipes from freezing.
Can heat tape cause a fire?
Sadly, heat tape has the potential to cause fires in homes and businesses. Many of these products consist only of non-regulating tape which plugs into a wall outlet. If the heat tape remains activated for long periods of time – especially if temperatures rise and/or the tape is well-insulated – it can spark a fire.
What is the difference between heat tape and heat cable?
Heat cable is somewhat stiff, but it's pliable enough to wrap it around your pipes, and it does not shrink; Heat tape is extremely flexible and is well suited to conforming to very tight contours where high temperatures are needed, therefore it's better for tight contours and oddly shaped pipes.
How do I keep my outside hose from freezing?
Simply run a length of heat cable along your hose and use high-temp tape to keep it in place every 6 inches. Then, plug the cable in. The heat from the cable will keep your hose from freezing. Use this heat cable to transform a regular hose into a heated hose.
How do I keep my hose pipes from freezing?
Prevent outdoor pipes from freezing by insulating outdoor hose bibs and water supply lines. Pipe insulation contains a slit that makes it easy to slide over water pipes and supply lines, and bib covers shield the spigot from winter weather.
How do I keep my barn hose from freezing?
Another issue that you may encounter is your garden hose may freeze when the temperatures drop, and you won't be able to use your hose until the ice inside melts. You can try to prevent this by thoroughly draining the hose after each use so residual water is not left inside to freeze.
How long do heat tapes last?
Speaking of replacing, heat tape only has a 3-year lifespan. Most heat tape manufacturers warn that you should replace your heat tapes every 3 years minimum. Heat tape has a near-constant connection with both water and electricity and usually isn't protected well from the elements.
Does heat tape use a lot of electricity?
Typical heat tape burns electricity at six to nine watts per foot per hour. That means each 100 feet of heat tape operating 24/7 can translate to an added monthly cost of $41 to $62 to operate heat tape, says Eileen Wysocki, energy auditor for Holy Cross Energy.
Can you plug heat tape into an extension cord?
Don't forget to plug in your heat tape before the onset of cold weather. Do not use an extension cord. The heat tape must plug directly into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. You should find a GFCI protected outlet underneath your manufactured home, near the water inlet.
Why is heat tape used?
Heat tape is used to prevent metal and rigid plastic water filled lines from freezing. In sub-freezing areas, heat tape is one of the most popular ways to protect pipes from freezing because it’s affordable and works remarkably well. Heat tape isn’t sticky.
What type of heat tape is used for manufactured homes?
There are two types of heat tape available for manufactured homes. The first type is a one-piece flat heat tape with a rubber or silicone coating. When silicone heat tape is installed, it must never overlap itself and the heat tape must not have kinks or steep bends.
How to install heat tape on a pipe?
There are two ways to install heat tape to a pipe. The first is parallel where the heat tape is applied in a straight flat line against the pipe. If you use this method under your mobile home be sure to position the heat tape on the side most exposed to the weather. Parallel heat tape on a water line. #affiliate.
How much heat tape should I use for a 1/2 inch copper pipe?
For instance, a 1/2″ copper pipe that is 18 inches long would need around 24″ of heat tape. Here are tables for various widths and lengths of pipe as well as material.
How many watts does a heat tape use?
The most common heat tapes use either 2 watts per foot or 7 watts per foot and keep your water line from freezing down to an impressive -50F degrees. Newsminer.com explains that if an average heat tape draws 5 watts of electricity per foot then a 6-foot long heat tape will use 30 watts to heat the pipe.
Why does heat tape stop working?
A downside to using this type of heat tape is that it has no rubber coating, the heat tape tends to rust and stop working due to the lack of a moisture barrier. Most contractors like to use this type of tape as they can buy it in large quantities and use only what’s needed for any particular job.
How often should I use heat tape on a mobile home?
Pre-cut the tape, ties or straps you’re using to attach the heat tape to the pipe. You want to tape or tie it at least every 10-12″ but closer is always better. You want the heat tape to make constant contact with the water pipe. Learn about mobile home repair loans here.
How long is a heat tape?
Consider a heat tape kit: In addition to the raw heat cable that is sold by the foot and fitted with plugs, you can also buy heat tape kits in just about any length you might need—from 3 feet to 100 feet.
How do heated water hoses work?
Heated hoses come in many lengths and are designed with electrical conducting wires embedded into the rubber or vinyl walls of the hose. When these hoses are plugged in, electrical current heats the hose all the way to the end. These hoses shut off automatically in warm weather to save on electricity and prevent overheating.
Can heat tape be used on pipe?
Many types of heat tape are just attached to the underside of the pipe and can be attached to the pipe with electrical tape or zip ties. Other types are designed to be wrapped around the pipe in a spiral fashion, and some can be installed either way. Do not overlap the tape unless the manufacturer specifies that this is acceptable.
Can heating tape be cut?
The heating tape can also be custom fit to your application because it can be cut to any size that is needed; plugs are then added to the ends of the cable. Thermostat-controlled heating tape is also available in kit form in various lengths with the plug and thermostat already attached.
Can you insulate pipes from freezing?
Insulating your pipes is essential and will prevent pipes from freezing in many situations, but it is not always enough when the temperatures stay cold for days at a time or when temps plummet into the sub-zero range. This is where electric heat solutions come in handy.
Can heat tape be covered with insulation?
However, read the package directions carefully to make sure that the heat tape can be covered with insulation. And make sure the thermostat is in the coldest area and directly on the water pipe itself to give an accurate reading.
Can heat tape be used on metal water lines?
Most heat tapes are approved for use on either plastic or metal water lines, but it is best to make sure that this is the case before you buy. Also, make sure it has the features you want, such as a power indicator light and a built-in thermostat.
Why do we use heat tape?
They are used mainly to keep water pipes from freezing, but they also prevent ice dams at gutters, downspouts and roof edges. Heat tapes are useful as well in many other situations, including exposed fuel-supply lines on mobile homes and refrigeration piping on commercial fishing boats.
Why do people leave heat tapes in the house?
Many people leave heat tapes in locations where they get hot in summer, cold in winter and wet year-round. As a result, the wire insulation can develop cracks and let in moisture that causes a short circuit.
How many fires are caused by heat tapes?
But according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), heat tapes are the cause of approximately 2,000 fires, 10 deaths and 100 injuries every year. Some figures for deaths and injuries are higher and include estimates of property damage exceeding $25 million a year.
Do heat tapes need a grounding?
Be sure that the tape has a grounding, or three-prong plug. * Heat tapes should be installed in compliance with national, state and local electrical codes, and in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. Because heat tapes differ, some products may be suitable for one kind of installation but not another.
Do tapes draw electricity?
Those tapes do not draw electricity all the time, even though they remain plugged in.
Can you wrap heat tape over itself?
* Do not wrap heat tape over itself, even though some manufacturers may permit it.
Where to start wrapping PVC pipe?
When wrapping the PVC pipe, start at the end where a GFCI plug receptacle is located. The heat tape should be plugged directly into a receptacle without the use of an extension cord. If a GFCI receptacle is not present, one will need to be installed near the pipe.
How to keep PVC pipes from freezing?
Insulating a home's PVC pipes may not be enough to stop them from freezing in cold weather. Heat tape , though, does prevent pipes from freezing. Wrap this tape around a pipe and then plug the tape into an electrical source to heat the pipe. Several types of heat tape are available. Use heat tape featuring a thermostat to ensure ...
What is pipe insulation?
Pipe insulation is cylinder-shaped foam with a slit on the side; the slit allows a pipe to be inserted inside. Use weatherproofed pipe insulation to protect the heat tape from outdoor elements. Advertisement. references.
Cold Weather Protection for your PVC Pipes
PVC pipe has become a de facto standard in many areas of the country for residential plumbing. In areas where manufactured housing is common, the water pipes under the manufactured home are always PVC. These PVC water pipes need protection from freezing.
Choosing the Right Heat Product for your PVC Pipes
As you start selecting the heat product for your PVC pipe, you will find a variety of types, styles, and names. Before shopping, you must understand the terminology used and how these different heat products can be used.
Can I Also Insulate Over the Heat Tape?
Adding insulation over the heat tape or cable can be a great idea to further protect your pipes from freezing. Adding insulation over the heat tape can also lower the amount of electricity that the heat tape uses when operating. However, not all heat tapes or cables are created equal.
Use the Correct Type of Heat Tape or Cable
Some heat tapes are rated only for indoor use. Don’t put these types of heat tapes or cables where they may be exposed to the weather. Whether the area under your manufactured home is considered weather-proof is hard to determine.
Connect your Heat Tape to a GFCI Protected Outlet
Heat tape and cable, even those with a thermostat, can cause accidental fires. Be sure that any outlet you use to power your heat tape or cable has a GFCI breaker in the circuit. This will give you additional protection against short circuits and the possibility of an accidental fire.
Protect You and Your Home from Freezing Temperatures
A bit of prevention is much better than the results. You can avoid expensive plumbing repairs from frozen and burst pipes by adding heat tape or cable to your PVC water pipes. Adding heat tape to your PVC pipes is safe when done properly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
